The Singaporeans in Suzhou Industrial Park attended a reception on the evening of August 10, celebrating their National Day. The event was organized by Suzhou Singapore Club and the attendees included Singapore Consul-General Ong Siew Gay in Shanghai, Deputy Mayor Xu Ming of Suzhou, Director Yang Zhiping of SIP Administrative Committee, Director Xu Huadong of Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, and President Calipe Chong of Suzhou Singapore Club.

The reception started with all standing up and singing the national anthem of Singapore, followed by a video clip about Singaporeans working and living in SIP. The annual event plays an important role in gathering and uniting the citizens of Lion City and bringing the two countries closer.

"SIP and Singapore are very much alike," said Chong Poh Soon, who came to work and settled down in SIP with his family five years ago. It was the fifth national day celebration he attended. The road design, the green landscape, and the neighborhood centers, all these reminded him of Singapore back home. "I've made many new friends here and there are many opportunities here as well. I'm grateful to the organizer and such activities bring all Singapore people living in SIP together. This makes us feel warm."

Suzhou Singapore Club was founded in 1995 and it now has 350 members. It has strong connections with local government, businesses, social groups, as well as the Singapore clubs in Beijing, Shanghai, and Wuxi.

While Singapore celebrates its 49th National Day, the year also marks the 20th anniversary of SIP. Having been recognized as an international, innovation-based, and eco-friendly modern district, SIP is a model in China-Singapore cooperation. As a result, more and more Singaporeans choose to invest, work, and live here, making it their second homeland.